Northern Pin Oak vs Hardy Pecan - TreeTime.ca

Northern Pin Oak vs Hardy Pecan

Quercus ellipsoidalis

Carya illinoinensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Northern Pin Oak
Hardy Pecan

Northern Pin oak has an attractive but irregular rounded crown with lower hanging branches. This species is one of the few oak species recommended for the prairies and colder areas. Northern Pin Oak prefers drier habitats.

The spectacular fall leaf color of this tree is the primary reason for its popularity. Fall leaves turn orange and red to reddish brown.

Squirrels, jays, deer, and similar animals love its acorns.

Note: Most Oak species can be considered toxic for many animals.

Hardy Pecan trees are known for their edible nuts that ripen in late autumn. They can be eaten raw or cooked and can be used in a wide range of baked goods. If stored properly in a cool, dry location, they can be kept for up to 6 months in their shell. Trees tend to bear nuts at maturity, which occurs around 6 -10 years. The size and form of this tree also makes it a great shade or feature tree for your landscape.

For nut production, it is recommended that at least 2-3 are planted so that cross pollination can occur. In colder areas it is likely that nut production will be limited, especially in locations with late frosts and shorter growing seasons.

If exposed to high winds, Hardy Pecan is known to lose branches, but these can be used as firewood, or to smoke foods with a hickory flavour. Finding seed or seedlings of this tree is rare in Canada.

Note: plant this tree once. It will not respond well to transplanting.

Northern Pin Oak Quick Facts

Hardy Pecan Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 5a
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Flowers: yellow
Nuts: acorns
Nuts: oval, brown
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


Native to: ON
Other Names: hills oak, jack oak, upland pin oak
Other Names: carya pecan, faux hickory, hicoria pecan, illinois nut, illinois nut tree, pecan hickory, soft-shelled hickory, sweet pecan